World's Billionaires - #16

© Kpix

• After World War II, Theo and his older brother, Karl, transformed their mother's corner grocery store into discount supermarket giant Aldi, which now has more than 8,000 stores and $67 billion in sales. They eventually split ownership and management of the group into North and South regions.
• Theo still manages Aldi's less profitable northern chain with the help of his two sons.
• In the U.S. he owns discount gourmet food retailer Trader Joe's as well as a stake in Supervalu Inc.
• He has shunned the limelight for decades, after having been kidnapped for 17 days in 1971.
• Little is known about him, though rumor has it that he is very thrifty, collects old typewriters and loves to golf.

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